The carrot is an excellent vegetable as it has both nutritional and medicinal values which are essential for our optimum health.

The best thing of carrot is that it is easily assimilated by our body. Chinese practitioners said that carrot tastes sweet, and it is good for the health of spleen and stomach. It is also believed to improve impotence (lower sexual drive), sexual dysfunction, night blindness, long term cough (or call hundred days cough in Chinese medical prescription) besides strengthening kidney and eliminating excessive wind and cold in our body.

Carrot has proved its outstanding role in anti-cancer effect. The research revealed that people with lack of beta-carotene were more likely to have 2 times higher risk of cancer than normal people. It is wiser to eat an appropriate amount of carrot per day to prevent cancer. This is because beta-carotene in the carrot can be easily changed by our body into vitamin A, which is essential for healthy cell growth, strong immune system and protection against mascular degeneration (AMD).

The research also found that carrot contains bulk of folic acid, a group of vitamin B, which has good effect to fight against free radicals (substances that cause cancer) in our body. The lignin found in carrot too, helps to strengthen our immune system to fight against cancerous cells. Potash succinate, its anti hypertensive drug properties may also help to reduce the blood pressure. Therefore, it is also regarded as a good diet for hypertension’s patient.

As carrot is fat-soluble substance, its nutrition is absorbed better with the presence of oil. Therefore, it is better to dip one drop of olive oil into a glass of carrot juice so that our body can effectively absorbed its nutrition.

Carrots like other foods do contain sugar which may give rise to the blood sugar. However, if carrots are consumed in an appropriate amount they won’t give rise to an extreme blood sugar rise among people with blood sugar problems (both diabetic and hypoglycaemic). 8-ounce glasses of carrot juice per day have been seen as a successful cure among the patients who are terminally ill cancer. Your body appears to handling well with the natural occurring sugars found in carrot juice. There are still no scientific evidences supporting that appropriate consumption of carrot juice can cause negative impact to your body. Nevertheless, I’d advise diabetic and hypoglycaemic to limit the intake of carrots because excessive intake of carrots may be detrimental to your health or may worsen your existing health condition.

Now, you may ask me, “ How much carrot juice should I take, chan?” It’s hardly to give you an accurate answer here since the intake of carrot juice varies among the individuals. It’s always wiser to consult your doctor for any dieting alteration, particularly among the patients, those who’re engaging with diseases or those with serious health or physical problems. Basically, for a healthy person, it’s recommended to take two to three 8-ounce glasses of carrot juice daily.

Carrot Food Therapy for Certain Diseases is Listed as Follows:

For Hypertension’s Patient

Drink 100milliliter of fresh organic carrot juices everyday and it should be two servings per day. The therapy should proceed constantly for 30 days.

For Those Who Have Constipation

Blend fresh organic carrot juices with a juicer. Then, pour the juice into a glass. Dip a drop of olive oil into the glass. Mix it with an appropriate amount of royal jelly honey. Stir the mixture for a thorough mix. Each serving should be 80 milliliter, with every morning and night each.

For Those Who Have Night Blindness or Dry Dull Eyes

Get ready with 250gram of fresh organic carrots. Put two tablespoons of olive oil in the wok. Add in carrots. Fry with slow fire till it is thoroughly cooked. It should be one serving for a day. The therapy should proceed constantly for 7 days.

For Those Who Have Long-Term Cough (Hundred Days Cough)

Get ready with 200 gram fresh organic carrots and 13 pieces of jujube (Chinese red dates). Cook with slow fire. Make sure the amount of water is not too much or too little. There should be approximately 8 bowls of water (measured with a small Chinese bowl) for approximately 30 minutes. It should be one serving per day.

For Those Who Suffer From Scalp Itching and Dandruff

Get ready with 200 gram fresh organic carrots. Use slow fire to stew the carrots. Add in appropriate amount of sea salt according to your taste. It should be one serving for a day.

For the Following Diseases, Please Do According to the Suggested Prescriptions as Listed Below:

Note: Each prescription stated below should be taken for at least 6 consecutive months. Organic grown fruits and vegetables are recommended here so that you can help prevent additional toxins from being dumped into your body. “in between the meal time” here means 2 or 3 hours before the meal time, and you should avoid to take this juice before breakfast and 3 hours before your bedtime. If you’re in medication, make sure that you’re not taken this juice together with your medicine. In this case, you can take this juice 2 or 3 hours after the medication. Bear in mind that this juice should be taken immediately to avoid any chemical changes that might have occurred.

Scurvy: Put carrot (8 ozs.) and grapefruit (8 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Adenoids: Put carrot (10 ozs.) and spinach (6 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Rheumatism: Put carrot (8 ozs.) and celery (8 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Acne: Put carrot (10 ozs.) and spinach (6 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Tumors: Put carrot (8 ozs.) and beet (8 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Bright’s Disease: Put carrot (8 ozs.), parsley (2 ozs.) and celery (6 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Dermatitis: Put carrot (6 ozs.), beet (5 ozs.) and cucumber (5 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Colitis: Put carrot (8 ozs.), and apple (8 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Angina Pectoris: Put carrot (6 ozs.), beet (5 ozs.) and cucumber (5 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Diabetes: Put carrot (6 ozs.), celery (5 ozs.), endive (2 ozs.) and parsley (2 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Albuminuria: Put carrot (10 ozs.), beet (3 ozs.), and cucumber (3 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Coronary Thrombosis: Put carrot (8 ozs.), and garlic (2 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Arthritis: Put carrot (8 ozs.), celery (8 ozs.), and one grapefruit (chopped in small cube) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Constipation: Put carrot (8 ozs.), celery (4 ozs.), and apple (4 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Gallstones: Put carrot (6 ozs.), beet (5 ozs.) and cucumber (5 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Nervous Disorders: Put carrot (8 ozs.), celery (6 ozs.) and parsley (2 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Nephritis: Put carrot (8 ozs.), celery (6 ozs.) and parsley (2 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Diarrhea: Put carrot (6 ozs.), celery (5 ozs.) and apple (5 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Asthma: Put carrot (8 ozs.), celery (8 ozs.) and one grapefruit (chopped in small cube) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Cancer: Put carrot (12 ozs.), and cabbage (4 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Blood Pressure (High): Put carrot (8 ozs.), and pod of garlic into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Allergies: Put carrot (8 ozs.), and celery (8 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Anemia: Put carrot (8 ozs.), beet (2 ozs.) and celery (6 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Hernia: Put carrot (6 ozs.), celery (6 ozs.), spinach (2 ozs.) and parsley (2 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Note: For each stated prescription below, you’re recommended to take it for several consecutive days until the disease goes off. Organic grown fruits and vegetables are recommended here so that you can help prevent additional toxins from being dumped into your body. “in between the meal time” here means 2 or 3 hours before the meal time, and you should avoid to take this juice before breakfast and 3 hours before your bedtime. If you’re in medication, make sure that you’re not taken this juice together with your medication. In this case, you can take this juice 2 or 3 hours after the medication. Bear in mind that this juice should be taken immediately to avoid any chemical changes that might have occurred.

Hay Fever: Put carrot (8 ozs.), and celery (8 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Influenza: Put carrot (8 ozs.), and celery (8 ozs.) into the blender. Blend well until smooth before serving. Take this juice once a day in between the meal time.

Warning!

It’s very important to take note that carrots should not be taken together with wine, beer, or any alcoholic drinks. The reason is that the combination of both will cause substantial amount of alcohol and carotene entering your body at the same time, which will later lead to the production of toxins in your liver. When this situation occurs, you’re more likely to have liver disease. Similarly, carrots cannot be taken with black fungus at a time as the combination of both will cause dermatitis (inflammation of the skin). The intake of 500g carrots with any sea foods may also cause arsenic poisoning.

Although carotenoids found in carrots are beneficial to baby, attention should be paid for the volume of the intake. It’s always better to consult a registered doctor or dietician on the issue of how much carrot juice should be given to your child based upon their existing health condition. Excessive consumption of carotene (either from carrots or tomatoes) can cause hyperlipidemia, which can lead to orange-colored skin on the face and hands. Other symptoms which are observed among your child include loss of appetite, mental instability, anxiety, and sleep disorder accompanied by crying, screaming, nightmare and murmuring throughout the night.

We always think that goiter (a swelling in the thyroid gland, which can lead to a swelling of the neck or larynx) is caused by a deficiency of iodine. But do you know that the combination of carrots and oranges can also indulge or cause the development of goiter? Many clinical experimentations have shown that after entering your body, carrots (a type of cruciferous vegetables, which refers to edible plants in the family of Brassicaceae) can quickly produce a substance called Thiocyanate (common compounds that include the colorless salts potassium thiocyanate and sodium thiocyanate), and thisthiocyanate will soon undergo a procedure of metabolism to produce an anti-thyroid substance called thiocyanate acid. The question on how much this so-called substance is produced is directly proportional to the volume of the intake of the carrots. When fruits such as oranges, pears, apples, or grapes are taken immediately or are combined with carrots at a time, the flavonoids from these fruits will be decomposed by the intestinal bacteria into hydroxyl benzoic acid (a crystalline derivative of benzoic acid) and ferulic acid (an organic compound that is an abundant phenolic phytochemical found in plant cell walls). Both acids are found to reinforce thiocyanate acid to inhibit the functionality of thyroid gland which might have contributed to a consequence of goiter. Therefore, you’re encouraged not to drink juices of/ eat oranges, apples or grapes straight away after the consumption of carrots.

Final Remark:

Again, it’s very important to take note that carrot should not be taken together with an orange. This is because Thiocyanate compound in carrot will react chemically with substances in orange which can cause goiter (the enlargement of the thyroid). Similarly, carrot cannot be taken together with polygonum multiflorum (Chinese knotweed or flowery) and ginseng.

Black eye introduction

A black eye often results from injury to the face or the head, and is caused when blood and other fluids collect in the space around the eye. Swelling and dark discoloration result in a “black eye” – sometimes called a “shiner.”

Most black eyes are relatively minor injuries. Many heal on their own in a few days, but they may signify a more serious injury.

Despite the name, “black eye,” the eye itself is not usually injured. The tissues around the eye may be significantly discolored and swollen without any injury to the eye itself, like a bruise (ecchymosis) around the eye.

The skin around the eye is very loose, with mostly fat underneath it and fluid accumulates easily in this area. The skin around the eye is one of the first places to swell when the facial area is injured. Depending on the location and type of injury, one or both eyes may be affected. Injuries to the eye brow and forehead area often result in black eyes because gravity pulls the blood and inflammatory fluid into the soft tissues under and around the eyes.

As a black eye heals, the swelling around the eye decreases, and the bruise gradually fades away. The bruising will usually start out a very dark purple, and as it fades, it may change to light purple, then greenish, then yellow before disappearing.

What causes a black eye?

The most common cause of a black eye is a blow to the eye, nose, or forehead. Depending on where the blow lands, one or both eyes may be affected.

A blow to the nose often causes both eyes to swell because the swelling from the nasal injury causes fluid to collect in the loose tissues of the eyelids.

What are the signs and symptoms of a black eye?

Edema (swelling) and pain are the most common signs and symptoms of a black eye.

Initially, the swelling and discoloration may be mild. The eye often starts off slightly reddened, and then progresses to a darker shade and swelling increases. Some blurry vision or difficulty opening the eye may occur, but more serious visual problems are less common. Over the course of a few days, the area becomes lighter and the swelling decreases.

Signs of a more serious injury are double vision, loss of sight, or inability to move the eye. Loss of consciousness, blood or clear fluid coming out of the nose or the ears, blood on the surface of the eye itself, or persistent headache can also indicate a severe injury.

When should I call the doctor for a black eye?

Most black eyes are minor injuries that heal on their own in a few days with ice and pain medications. Depending on the mechanism of injury and accompanying symptoms, an ophthalmologist might have to examine the injured eye to make sure that no significant injury to the eye has occurred.

How is a black eye diagnosed?

For most black eyes, a doctor will perform a basic physical exam. He or she will ask about the injury and look for any associated injuries or symptoms.

The physician will shine a light into the patient’s eyes to look at the pupils and inside the eye itself for any injury, and to check for foreign bodies or abrasions on the eye. They will test the motion of the patient’s eye (following the doctor’s finger with his/her eyes), and examine the facial bones around the eye.

Depending on what is found, the doctor may perform additional testing. An X-ray or a CT scan may be performed if the doctor suspects a fracture to the bones of the face or around the eye (the orbit) or that something is inside the eye.

If there are any special concerns, the doctor may refer the patient to a specialist, such as an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in eye care and surgery), for follow-up care.

What is the treatment for a black eye?

Home remedies

Home remedies for black eye include rest and ice applied early after the injury help to decrease swelling and pain.

Ice helps decrease swelling by constricting blood vessels, by decreasing fluid accumulation, and by cooling and numbing the area.

Apply ice for 20 minutes every hour while awake, for the first 24 hours (a package of frozen vegetables such as peas or corn can be used as it will conform to the shape of the face better than ice cubes).

To avoid potential cold injury to the site, wrap the ice or frozen object in a cloth or use a commercial ice pack.

Do not use raw meat on a black eye as putting potentially bacteria-laden meat on a mucous membrane or an open skin injury can be dangerous.

Medical care

For simple, uncomplicated black eyes, the treatment prescribed by health care practitioners is similar to home treatment:

ice;

pain medications [avoid taking aspirin (unless prescribed by your doctor or cardiologist for your heart) because this may increase bleeding];

rest; and

protection of the injured area.

Avoid possibly injurious activities until after the eye has healed

For more complicated injuries, the patient may be referred to an appropriate specialist; such as an ophthalmologist, who can treat the patient’s injuries to the eye itself, or an otorhinolaryngologist [ear, nose, and throat (ENT)] for fractures to the face.

Black eye in itself usually is a minor condition that resolves on its own. Severe injuries, especially forceful blunt trauma to the eye area may result in complications.

Traumatic uveitis and iritis (iritis is a type of uveitis) results from blunt trauma to the eye. A black eye may be the first sign of this condition. Iritis generally affects only one eye. Signs and symptoms of uveitis (and iritis) may include:

reddened eye (especially around the iris, the colored part of the eyeball);

pain that increases with exposure to bright light;

a small or irregularly shaped pupil;

floating spots before the eyes; or

blurred vision.

Any of these symptoms should be brought to the attention of a physician.

Hyphema is an accumulation of blood in the front (anterior) chamber of the eye following injury and can cause damage to the interior tissues of the eye. The amount of blood may be too small to see with the naked eye, or the entire front of the eye may fill with blood.

Glaucoma may also result from blunt trauma to the eye, and can occur immediately or years later. The force of the trauma can cause bleeding inside the eye which leads to an increase in eye pressure, and damages the optic nerve. Delayed onset glaucoma (angle recession glaucoma) can occur as scar tissue from the injury builds in the eye.

Orbital floor fracture (blowout fracture) may also occur as a result of the forceful blunt trauma to the eye. The force of the blow pushes the eyeball further into the eye socket, fracturing the very thin walls of bone that make up the eye socket. This can lead to pinching (entrapment) of the optic nerve and the muscles that move the eye. Loss of vision or double vision can result and must be treated emergently.

Retinal detachment can result in permanent vision loss. Trauma to the eye can lift or pull the retina from its normal position, lining the back of the eyeball. Symptoms include partial or total loss of vision or flashing lights or spots in the field of vision and must be treated immediately.

How can I prevent a black eye?

Black eye injury can be avoided with basic injury prevention.

Check the home for items that might cause a fall, such as throw rugs or objects on the floor (such as toys).

Wear the appropriate protective gear for any athletic or work-related activity.

Wear goggles or other eye protection when working, doing yard work, or other hobbies and sports that may be injurious to the eyes.

Wear seat belts while driving and wear helmets when riding a motorcycle.

Black Eye At A Glance

A black eye often results from injury to the face or the head, and is caused when blood and other fluids collect in the space around the eye. Swelling and dark discoloration result in a “black eye.”

Most black eyes are relatively minor injuries. Many heal on their own in a few days, but they may signify a more serious injury.

The most common cause of a black eye is a blow to the eye, nose, or forehead.

Pain and swelling are the most common signs and symptoms of a black eye.

Call a doctor if the injured individual has changes in vision, severe pain, or swelling that does not go away, the swelling around the eyes is not related to an injury, there are signs of infection (for example, fever, warmth, redness, pus-like drainage), if the person has behavioral changes, forgetfulness or lethargy, nausea, vomiting and/or dizziness, loss of vision (especially double vision), or an inability to move the eye itself (i.e., unable to look in different directions).

Home remedies for black eye include rest and ice applied early after the injury help to decrease swelling and pain. Do not use raw meat on an eye injury, this creates potential for infection.

Avoid a black eye with basic injury prevention. Wear the appropriate protective gear for any athletic or work-related activity.

Bananas consist mainly of sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and fiber, which makes them ideal for an immediate and slightly prolonged source of energy

Reducing Depression

Bananas contain tryptophan, an aminoacid that can be converted to serotonin, leading to improved mood

Anemia

Bananas are relatively high in iron, which helps the body’s hemoglobin function

Constipation and Diarrhea

Due to their content in fiber, they help restore a normal bowel function. In addition, diarrhea usually depletes your body of important electrolytes (of which the most important is potassium, contained in high amounts in bananas). They also contain pectin, a soluble fiber (hydrocolloid) that can help normalize movement through the digestive tract.

Eyesight Protection

Research published in the Archives of Ophthalmology has proven that adults consuming at least 3 servings of fruit per day have a reduced risk (by 36%) of developing age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily.

Healthy Bones

Bananas are an exceptionally rich source of fructooligosaccharide, a compound that nourishes probiotic (friendly) bacteria in the colon. These beneficial bacteria produce enzymes that increase our digestive ability and protect us from unhealthy bacteria infections. Thanks to fructooligosaccharides, probiotic bacteria can increase both in number and functionality, increasing our body’s ability to absorb calcium.
In addition, green bananas contain indigestible short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that are very nutrient to the cells that make up the mucosa of the stomach. These cells, when healthy, absorb calcium much more efficiently

Healthy Kidney

About 190,000 cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed each year.
Research published in the International Journal of Cancer has shown that daily consumption of whole fruits and vegetables, especially bananas, is highly protective to kidney health. The results show that, over a long timeframe (13.4 years), women eating more than 2.5 servings of fruits and vegetable per day cut their risk of kidney cancer by 40%. Among the fruits, bananas were especially protective. Women eating bananas four to six times a week halved their risk of developing the disease compared to those who did not eat this fruit. The conclusion of the study is that frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially bananas, cabbage and root vegetables, may reduce risk of kidney cancer. This is because bananas and many root vegetables contain especially high amounts of antioxidant phenolic compounds, while cabbage is rich in sulfur, necessary for effective detoxification of potential carcinogens.

Blood Pressure

Bananas are extremely high in potassium (about 4673mg), yet very low in sodium (1mg), thus having a perfect ratio for preventing high blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Heartburn

Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness

Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood-sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Smoking

Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. They contain vitamins B6 and B12 they contain, as well as potassium and magnesium: these substances help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Ulcers

This is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicle cases. It also helps reduce acidity and reduces irritation. Bananas stimulate the cells on the internal stomach lining to produce a thicker mucus (which protects against acid). Additionally, bananas contain protease inhibitors that help eliminate bacteria in the stomach that have been pinpointed as a primary cause of ulcers.

Nerves

Bananas are high in B vitamins that have been shows to improve nerve function

Mosquito Bites

Many people report that rubbing the inside of a banana peel on a mosquito bite is very effective in reducing itching and swelling

Stress Relief

Bananas are high in potassium, which helps normalize the hearthbeat and regulate the body’s water balance. During periods of high stress, our body’s potassium levels tend to be rapidly depleted: eating bananas is a healthy way to rebalance them without using drugs

Stroke Risk

According to a study in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can reduce the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%

An old Zulu remedy for bad skin has been developed as a high tech treatment for psoriasis – its secret ingredient is bananas.

Exorex lotion has been launched on prescription in the UK. It was developed after a South African psoriasis sufferer, Piet Meyer, noticed that Zulus traditionally used banana peel to treat skin problems.

Mature fresh leaves are harvested 2 to 3 months after planting. Leaves are picked leaving the branches on the plant to allow it to flower and produce seeds for the next season.

The leaves are air-dried until they crumble when crushed with the fingers. Store in amber colored bottles in a cool, dry place.

UsesCulinary
The leafy and flowering tops are used as condiment; eaten sparingly in salads.
Folkloric
Cough: Expectorant properties – Take infusion or decoction of herb (9-15 gm of dried herb) or tops as tea.
Leaf juice helpful for expectoration of mucus.
Decoction of leaves also used for hiccups, vomiting and nausea.
Gas pains: Decoction of herb as tea helps to expel wind from bowels.
Snake bites: Crush fresh plant and poultice the bitten wound.
Gonorrhea, using a decoction of the roots and leaves of plants.
Decoction of leaves used as a wash for ulcers.
External contusions.
Used in baths for rheumatic pains.
Ringworm and insect bites: Apply juice of crushed leaves.
Skin ulcers: Decoction of herb as wash.
For delayed menstruation: take the juice of the leaves with water.
Seeds are used in treatment of several eye diseases.
Toothache: Wet small piece of cotton with juice of crushed leaves and insert into tooth cavity.
Postpartum: Decoction of seeds used to decrease postpartum pains; the seeds are mucilaginous.
Poultice of seeds used for buccal sores.
Decoction of seeds also used for constipation.
Acne: Infusion of 3 tsp of dried leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 20-30 minutes. Apply externally or drink decoction of tea or infusion 3 times daily.
Others
• Oils repel insects (limonene, myrcene, camphor, thymol) and have larvicidal (eugenol and methylclaviol) activity against houseflies and mosquitoes.

Recent uses
Dizziness: crush enough fresh leaves with your fingers and sniff them.
Cough: As decoction boil eight tablespoons of fresh leaves in two glasses of water for 15 minutes or until the liquid is reduced to half. Divide the decoction into eight parts and take one part, three times a day.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), the world’s most popular culinary herb is also known as “rock celery” and belongs to the Umbelliferae family of plants. Parsley is one of the world’s seven most potent disease-fighting spices which also includeGinger, Oregano, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Sage, and Red chili peppers. Parsley grows in most climates and is readily available throughout the year. It is a biennial plant which means that it produces seeds during its second year of production and will reseed itself if you let it.

While parsleyis a wonderfully nutritious and healing food, it is often under-appreciated. Most people do not realize that this vegetable has more uses than just being a decorative garnish that accompanies restaurant meals.

Parsley is native to the Mediterranean region of Southern Europe and has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years. It was originally used as a medicinal plant (see below) prior to being consumed as a food. Ancient Greeks held parsley to be sacred, using it to not only adorn victors of athletic contests, but also for decorating the tombs of the deceased. While it is uncertain when and where parsley began to be consumed as a seasoning, historians think it may be sometime during the Middle Ages in Europe. Some historians credit Charlemagne with its popularization as he had it grown on his estates.

Parsley’s Many Therapeutic Health Benefits Include Its Use For:

· Anemia: Builds up the blood because it is high in iron. The high vitamin C content assists the absorption of iron.

Antioxidant: Increases the anti-oxidant capacity of the blood.

Bactericidal (kills bacteria)

Bad breath

Baldness: Believe it or not, men even scrubbed parsley onto their scalps to cure baldness—which doesn’t work.

Digestion: Parsley is an excellent digestion restorative remedy. It improves the digestion of proteins and fats therefore promoting intestinal absorption, liver assimilation and storage. Because of its high enzyme content, parsley benefits digestive activity and elimination.

Dissolves cholesterol within the veins

Diuretic

Ear health: Treats deafness and ear infections.

Edema: Acts as a diuretic and blood vessel strengthener.

Fatigue: Parsley is high in iron so helps repair and provides components for better blood cells.

Gallstones: Helps dissolve them.

Glandular support of the liver, spleen, kidneys and adrenal glands.

Gout

Hormonal support: In women, parsley improves estrogen and nourishes and restores the blood of the uterus. Conditions like delayed menstruation, PMS, and the menopause (dry skin, irritability, depression and hair loss) can often improve.

Hormone balancing is achieved through the volatile fatty acids contained in parsley.

Immune booster: The high vitamin C, beta carotene, B12, chlorophyll and essential fatty acid content render parsley an extraordinary immunity enhancing food. Parsley is an immune-enhancing multi-vitamin and mineral complex in green plant form and one of the most important herbs for providing vitamins to the body.

Inhibits tumor formation, particularly in the lungs.

Insect bites: Rub on to relieve the swelling and itch.

Jaundice

Kidneys: Parsley is effective for nearly all kidney and urinary complaints except severe kidney inflammation. It improves kidney activity and can help eliminate wastes from the blood and tissues of the kidneys. It prevents salt from being reabsorbed into the body tissues; thus parsley literally forces debris out of the kidneys, liver and bladder. It helps improve edema and general water retention, fatigue and scanty or painful urination.

Stamina loss and low resistance to infection, point to a sluggish liver. This can manifest itself in blood deficiencies, fatigue, a pale complexion and poor nails, dizzy spells, anemia and mineral depletion.

Stomach problems

Strengthens loose teeth: In the Middle Ages parsley was used for many conditions including ‘fastening teeth’ (Scurvy, which is caused by a Vitamin C deficiency, makes the gums spongy and the teeth loose.)

Uterine tonic

Weight loss benefits from being a diuretic

Nutritional Benefits of Parsley:

Parsley is a nutrient powerhouse containing high levels of beta carotene, vitamin B12, folate, chlorophyll, calcium, more vitamin C than citrus fruits, and just about all other known nutrients. Parsley is a moistening, nourishing, restoring, ‘warming’ food, pungent with a slightly bitter, salty flavor. It enhances and stimulates the energy of organs, improving their ability to assimilate and utilize nutrients.

Beta carotene is used for protein assimilation. This nutrient benefits the liver and protects the lungs and colon.Beta-carotene is converted by the body to vitamin A, a nutrient so important to a strong immune system that its nickname is the “anti-infective vitamin.”

Chlorophyll Parsley is abundant in chlorophyll, thus purifying and inhibiting the spread of bacteria, fungi and other organisms. Chlorophyll from parsley is slightly anti-bacterial and anti-fungal which acts to enhance immune response and to relieve mucus congestion, sinusitis and other ‘damp’ conditions. Chlorophyll, high in oxygen, also suppresses viruses and helps the lungs to discharge residues from environmental pollution.

Essential Fatty Acids Parsley is a source of alpha-linolenic acid, an important essential fatty acid that is too frequently deficient in today’s diets.

Fluorine is an important nutritional component abundantly found in parsley. Fluorine has an entirely different molecular structure from chemically-produced fluoride. Tooth decay results from a shortage of fluorine, not fluoride. It is the combination of calcium and fluorine which creates a very hard protective surface on teeth and bones. Fluorine also protects the body from infectious invasion, germs and viruses.

Folic Acid, one of the most important B vitamins, but one of its most critical roles in relation to cardiovascular health is to convert homocysteine into benign molecules. Homocysteine is a potentially dangerous molecule that, at high levels, can directly damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke in people with atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease. Folic acid is also a critical nutrient for proper cell division and is therefore vitally important for cancer-prevention in two areas of the body that contain rapidly dividing cells–the colon, and in women, the cervix.

Iron: The iron content of parsley is exceptional with 5.5mg per100g (4oz). A half-cup of fresh parsley or one tablespoon dried has about 10 percent of your iron daily requirements. Plus, parsley has the vitamin C your body needs to absorb that iron.

Protein: Parsley is made up of 20% protein. (About the same as mushrooms.)

Vitamin B12 Parsley contains traces of B12 producing compounds. Such compounds are needed for the formation of red blood cells and normal cell growth, important for fertility, pregnancy, immunity and the prevention of degenerative illness. The action of vitamin B12, however, is inhibited by birth control pills, antibiotics, intoxicants, stress, sluggish liver, and excess bacteria or parasites in the colon or digestive tracts. Parsley helps to counteract these inhibitors.

Vitamin K: Getting at least 100 micrograms of Vitamin K a day can drastically cut your risk of hip fracture. Vitamin K is necessary for bones to get the minerals they need to form properly. Parsley is loaded with vitamin K (180 mcg per 1/2 cup). Cooking parsley nearly doubles its Vitamin K.

Vitamin C: Parsley contains more vitamin C than any other standard culinary vegetable, with 166mg per 100g (4oz). This is three times as much as oranges. Flavonoids, which make up the Vitamin C molecule, maintain blood cell membranes, and act as an antioxidant helper.

Volatile oil components – including myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene. Parsley’s volatile oils, particularly myristicin, have been shown to inhibit tumor formation in animal studies, and particularly, tumor formation in the lungs. It acts as an antioxidant that can help neutralize particular types of carcinogens (like the benzopyrenes that are part of cigarette smoke, charcoal grill smoke, and the smoke produced by trash incinerators).

Many of my client’s test they would benefit greatly from eating parsley for all kinds of health problems.

How to Use Parsley:

Top off your sandwiches with it, include it in your salad greens, put it in Tabbouli or better yet, toss it into simmering soups, stews and sauces. We eat it raw in salads and those days when I can’t eat it raw, I often add a couple of parsley capsules to my nutritional supplements.

Parsley juice, as an herbal drink, is quite powerful and is usually taken in quantities of about 2 fl oz (50ml) three times a day and is best mixed with other juices. I noticed that it’s most effective to juice parsley in between other vegetables as the juice is heavy and thick and doesn’t move through some juicers very readily.

Types of Parsley:

The two most popular types of parsley are curly parsley and Italian flat leaf parsley. They are both related to celery. The Italian variety has a more fragrant and less bitter taste than the curly variety. There is also another type of parsley known as turnip-rooted (or Hamburg) that is cultivated for its roots, which resemble salsify and burdock. Chinese parsley, is actually cilantro.

How to Pick and Care for Parsley:

Whenever possible, choose fresh, dark green, organically grown parsley that looks fresh and crisp over the dried form of the herb since it is superior in flavor. Avoid bunches that have wilted or yellowed leaves indicating over-mature or damaged produce.

Parsley can be stored loosely wrapped in a damp cloth or plastic bag and refrigerated for up to a week. Wash just before using. If the parsley wilts, either sprinkle it lightly with some water or wash it without completely drying it before putting it back in the refrigerator.

The best way to clean it is just like you would spinach. Place it in a bowl of cold water and plunge it up and down like you would a toilet plunger. This will allow any sand or dirt to dislodge. Remove the leaves from the water, empty the bowl, refill it with clean water and repeat this process until no dirt remains in the water.

If you have excess flat-leaved parsley, you can easily dry it by laying it out in a single layer on a clean kitchen cloth. I pre-chop mine (both varieties) and place it on a cookie sheet on top of the refrigerator where it is warm. Stir it occasionally to allow consistent drying. Once dried, it should be kept in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark and dry place.

Some feel the curly leaved variety is best preserved by freezing, as opposed to drying. Although it will retain most of its flavor, it has a tendency to lose its crispness, so it is best used in recipes without first thawing.

Some believe that parsley leaves can help control bedwetting (enuresis).

Oxalic acid is found in parsley. Oxalic acid prevents calcium absorption and may also contribute to gallstones and kidney stones. For the average person that eats a balanced diet, the small amounts of oxalic acid will not be a health factor. However, those with low calcium health concerns will not want to eat excessive amounts of parsley.

New research reveals foods that help protect against three leading age-related vision thieves:

ComstockComplete

Reduce the risk of glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

Glaucoma. Just one serving a month of kale or collard greens or more than two servings of carrots a week reduced the risk of glaucoma by more than 60 percent in a UCLA study of 1,000 women. Scientists believe that high levels of vitamin A and other antioxidants in these veggies help protect crucial cells in the optic nerve.

Cataracts. Adults who regularly drink orange juice and also include C-rich foods such as red and green bell peppers, tomatoes, and broccoli in their daily diet are 45 percent less likely to develop cataracts, according to new research from Australia. Vitamin C may help counteract the lens-clouding effects of light and heat.

Macular degeneration. Eating oatmeal, high-fiber cereals, and whole-grain breads cuts the risk of macular degeneration by about 39 percent, shows a recent study. Complex carbs prevent blood sugar swings that can damage delicate cells in the center of the retina.

Drinking herbal tea is on one of the easiest and safest way to keep our body healthy. Most people would rather drink medicine or supplement to make them feel better, but herbal tea is a lot better than those processed medicine that can cause damaging side effects to the body.

People who live in Southeast Asian countries are lucky because many beneficial herbs are readily available to them, a lot of those beneficial herbs / leaves just grow in their backyard or around their neighborhood. Dried form of this medicinal leaves are now marketed worldwide so everybody can take advantage of its curative effect.

3 Herbal Tea that contain a lot of health benefits:

1. Guava leaves tea – guava in itself is a rich source of vitamin C, guava’s vitamin C content is 5x more than that of an orange, carotenoids, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and iron.

Health benefits from drinking guava leaves tea:

Helps in cases of Gastroenteritis, dysentery, diarrhea and vomiting in cholera patient

Helps fight free radicals.

Helps to clean the kidney

If you have chicken pox, drinking 4 cups of guava tea will make the chicken pox heal faster and the skin will have less scarring.

Contain strong antibiotic effect

It is good in controlling diabetes

Good for constipation

Gargling with lukewarm tea can help remedy swollen gums and oral ulcers.

Help relieves colds and bronchitis

Helps skin disorders because it is rich in vitamin C.

2. Banaba leaves tea – is one of the most common types of herbal tea. A mature green banaba leaves are used, the ratio is 3 leaves to 6 cups of water, boiled this for 15minutes in low heat. You can drink 3-4 cups of this tea per day, to add some flavor squeeze lemon or add honey.

Banaba leaves contain triterpenoid compound corosolic acid, and this ingredient has shown promise in animal trials in the fight against obesity. Corosolic acid helps to promote the use of glucose as fuel, and promotes weight loss.

Health benefits from drinking banaba leaves tea:

Banaba tea can help detoxify the body and protect the liver.

It helps in the treatment of urinary tract infections

It helps to lower or normalize blood sugar, even if you are prone to have diabetes you can lower the risk by drinking banaba tea everyday. It is effective for this purpose because of its ability to regulate blood sugar and act in a way that is similar to insulin

Banaba tea can help in weight reduction even without dietary restrictions.

3. Malunggay or Moringa leaves tea – malunggay is known in Asia as a “miracle plant” that can help fight malnutrition. Malunggay tree is abundant in most countries in Southeast Asia especially in the Philippines where it is seen in most backyards.

Malunggay or Moringa contain 7x the vitamin C found in oranges, 4x the vitamin A of carrots, 3x the iron of spinach, 4x as much calcium as milk, 2x the protein in milk and 3x the potassium of bananas.

Health benefits from drinking malunggay or moringa leaves tea:

Malunggay tea can help increase breast milk.

Malunggay tea can aid weight loss.

It can help restrict the growth of tumors.

It can help reduce phlegm.

It can help strengthen the eye muscle due to its high vitamin A content.

It can relieve fatigue and stress.

It can help you get a good night sleep.

It can prevent intestinal worm because of its strong detoxifying properties.

Parts used and preparationWhole plant.
.UsesFolkloricPoultice of leaves for swollen glands, brusies and sprains.
Fresh leaf-tea used for malaria.
Tree and root barks have been used for malaria, jaundice, and for intestinal parasitism.
Edible pulp of the fruit used for hemorrhoids.Ayurvedic medicineLeaf- leprosy, intestinal parasites, eye problems, skin ulcers
Bark – pain and fever.
Flower – bile suppression, intestinal worms and phlegm.
Fruit – piles, intestinal worms, urinary disorder, nose bleeding , phlegm, eye problem, diabetes, wounds and leprosy.
Twig – cough, asthma, piles, intestinal worms, spermatorrhoea, urinary disorders, diabetes.
Gum – ringworms,scabies, wounds and ulcers.
Seed pulp and oil- leprosy and intestinal worms.OthersYoung tender branches are chewed for toothbrushing use.
Leaf’s oil is used as a local antiseptic and insecticide.
Neem oil may be useful for gingivitis.
In the rural areas, burning of leaves and seeds used as mosquito repellant.
Neem oil has been shown to possess some spermicidal and contraceptive properties when used intravaginally.
Use of neem oil in animals showed lowering of glucose
Commercial useNeem extracts used in the manufacture of toothpaste for its antibacterial properties.
Fresh seed oil has a strong garlic odor and is an ingredient for insect sprays.

Uses
Folkloric
Decoction of roots used for fevers.
Infusion of the bark used as wash for the teeth and gums.
Infusion of leaves used for colds, fevers, skin ailments and purging.
Reported to be abortifacient.
Decoction of leaves used as mouth wash and gargle for mouth ulcers.
Decoction of flowers used for erysipelas and inflammation of the eyes.
Powdered flowers used as insecticide.
Fruit is astringent and used for diarrhea and dysentery.
In the Amazon, leaf juice used for fevers; the flower juice for sores.
Seeds used for cough, chest pains, breathing difficulty.
Roots used to induce first trimester abortion.
Leaves are purgative; used for renal stones, malaria, bronchitis.
In Ayurvedic medicine, used for fever, jaundice, colic, flatulence, malignant tumors.
In Nicaragua, astringent infusion of the bark is used as a wash for teeth and gums.
In the West Indies, decoction used for fevers.
In the Antilles, the leaves are used as emmenagogue and abortifacient.
In Jamaica, plant is used as a purgative.

Studies
• Antimicrobial activity of Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Euphorbia hirta and Asystasia gangeticum: Studies on the ethanolic extracts of the dry fruits of C. pulcherrima showed a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity against E. coli (enteropathogen), Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
• In vitro antiviral activities of Caesalpinia pulcherrima and its related flavonoids: A study showed a potential for use in the treatment of infection caused by two viruses: herpesviruses and adenoviruses.
• Anti-inflammatory activities of flavonoids isolated from Caesalpinia pulcherrima: The study supports the use of Caesalpinia pulcherrima for the treatment of inflammtory conditions in traditional medicine.
• Furanoid Diterpenes / Antibacterial / Antifungal : Study isolated four new cassane-type furanoditerpenoids from the leaves of CP. Antimicrobial testing showed activity against bacteria (S aureus, E coli, P aeruginosa and B subtilis) and fungia ( C albicans and T mentagrophytes).
• Nutrient studies of CP Seeds: Study suggests C pulcherrima could be a good source of low cost plant protein, a good source of iron and calcium; the whole seeds more nutrient-rich than the seed nuts.
• Flavonoids / Antiinflammatory: Study isolated five flavonoids from CP which significantly and dose-dependently inhibited inflammatory mediators, NO, cytokines (TNF and IL-12).
• Antifungal: Study of methanol extract of 9 Indian medicinal plants showed C pulcherrima with good antifungal activity against C albicans.